Ruby Jean Wimberley, 87, Orange

Ruby Jean Wimberley, 87, of Orange, Texas, passed away on January 24, 2024, in Beaumont, Texas. Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Visitation will be from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM., then a vigil from 1:00 PM to 1:40 PM, and a Rosary from 1:40 PM to 2:00 PM, Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Born in Texarkana, Arkansas, on November 14, 1936; her mother was Jeanette E. Reynolds Mozingo Broussard, her stepfather was Ferdinand Broussard and her father was Carl T. Mozingo. Ruby was a longtime member of both St. Mary Catholic Church and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Her devotion to God and the church community was unwavering. She also attended St. Mary Catholic School and graduated as the valedictorian of her class in 1954. Ruby began her career as the administrative assistant to the CEO of Orange Savings and Loan in the late 50's. She quickly became a lending officer as well as an invaluable team leader and rose to become President in the late 70's. In 1984 during a time of great turmoil in the industry, she became CEO. She was an outspoken advocate for the industry and testified before U.S. Congress about how to operate a successful thrift. She served as a Director of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, as Chairman of the Texas Savings and Community Bankers Association, as a Director of the Institute of Financial Education, as a Vice Chairman of the Affordable Housing Committee and as an Advisory Director of Freddie Mac. Ruby also served many years on the Board of Directors with the Stark Foundation and worked directly under Nelda Stark on numerous occasions. When she retired as President, she accepted a role as a Director of Orange Savings Bank. She served in that capacity until 2013 when the bank was merged with First Financial Bank and served as an Advisory Director with that bank. Ruby served her community in multiple civic organizations, including the Beaumont State Center, the Altrusa Club of Orange, the Child Welfare Board and the Community Services Group of Orange County, the Orange Chamber of Commerce and the Orange Rotary Club. During her illustrious career Ruby received numerous awards such as the "50 Year Banker" from the Texas Bankers Foundation and the Athena Leadership Award for Orange County. She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 57 years, Jerry Wimberley along with her parents. She is survived by her sons, Mark Wimberley and wife, Dianna, James Wimberley and wife, Suzy, and Robert Wimberley and wife, Pam; her grandchildren, Jessica Horton and husband, Sean Horton (deceased), Karaline Wimberley, Jeremy Wimberley, Sydney Hooker and husband, Gary, Katelynn Garza and husband, Garrett, Dalton Wimberley, and Grace Wimberley; her eleven great-grandchildren; her brother, Carl Mozingo; and numerous other loving family members and friends. Cremation will be held under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.